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2024 Read and Rant
Athena Project’s Read & Rant program seeks to combine the sharing of theatrical work with the wider public and the new play development aspects of our former Plays In Progress Series while also fostering collaboration between playwrights and dramaturgs. Think book club for plays! Learn what makes a good script, discuss how it affects us, and explore the ways it links to the larger world. This monthly free offering to the community aims to raise awareness of the under-representation of women’s stories on stage.
Each month, we read two new and unproduced scripts selected from a nationwide call for submissions and typically meet every third Monday online via Zoom to discuss the works. Join us to converse with invited playwrights who bring an in-depth knowledge of the works and theatrical writing at large. Guided by a dramaturg, we also invite you to share your constructive comments, thoughts, and affirmations in order to aid in the development process of the pieces.
This month we will be featuring:
Cryptophasia by Aspen Somers
Dramaturg Facilitator: Jordan Ealey
Cryptophasia (N)- The phenomenon of an autonomous language developed by twins that only the two children can understand. Anna and Bella Lavey are identical twins and soul mates, joined at the hip, who have grown up with the understanding that they cannot live without each other. When Anna develops a life-threatening heart condition, separation might be Bella’s only chance at survival. Now, the girls must decide what sacrifices they are willing to make for each other and confront the reality of what a life alone really means.
Aspen K Somers
A Colorado native, Aspen is a playwright, actress, and producer whose works have been produced around Denver and Los Angeles, most notably her BroadwayWorld-award nominated “Letters” in partnership with the Fetal Health Foundation, and her comedy web series “Quarantwinned” with Angel Wing Productions. Aspen graduated in 2024 from the School of Dramatic Arts at the University of Southern California, and is thrilled to be Back in Denver where she serves as president of Stagebugz Theatre and works to make arts education more equitable and accessible.
Scouts by Thea Belle Flanzer
Dramaturg Facilitator: Liv Rigdon
When Mary-Kate gets her first period on an overnight Girl Scout trip, three scouts embark on a mission to prove their womanhood.
Thea Belle Flanzer
Thea Belle Flanzer is a recent Georgetown University graduate, and a new student in UCLA’s MFA screenwriting program. Her plays have been presented at KCACTF, Glass Ceiling Breakers Festival, Secret Theatre, Talking It Out Festival, and Equity Library Theater. Her play, Safe Space, is set to be published in a virtual anthology this fall. She has participated in fellowships at Arena Stage and The Playwrights’ Theatre of New York. She is also a professional actress.
Evening hosted by Athena Project’s Literary Manager, Emily Perez, and we are joined by Read & Rant’s Resident Dramaturg, Samara Siskind.
After you register for a session, you will receive a confirmation email that includes information on how to access our featured scripts. You must click the link in this email, and it will take you to the scripts. We want everyone to participate who would like to learn more about these talented playwrights and their plays.
When you register for the event on Eventbrite, you should receive a confirmation email.
Email subject line will say “Order Confirmation for Athena Project: Read & Rant [month, year]”. This initial email has a synopsis and the links to both scripts.
Two days prior to the event, you should receive another email with the subject line “Reminder for Athena Project: Read & Rant [month, year].” This email also includes the synopsis and links to both scripts.
Plan to read scripts well in advance before the Zoom meeting
Please note that the scripts don’t come as attachments, they are .pdf links. So the body of the email will contain two paragraphs with the details of that month’s scripts.
For example:
Mak Shealy’ s Victorian Psychedelic Sleepover Play
On the eve of a 16th birthday, four teens meet after their writing is rejected by the school lit mag to create a Literary Zine of their own. Seeking editorial guidance, they conjure the ghosts of writers past and find themselves possessed by the spirit, chaos and conflict of the Victorian Era radicals they have long admired.
Content Warning: bullying, blood/bodily fluids, discussion of IVF, birth, substance use, disordered eating implied
You must click the link, and it will take you to the script.
If there are any questions or concerns please contact [email protected]
